Yes, dehydration is a serious winter risk
Hard to believe, but the risk for dehydration is just as great, if not higher, in the winter as it is in the summer.
By Shannon Moore, Return-To-Work Consultant
Winter weather is upon us, and with it come the myriad risks of injury and exposure. The most common topic for cold weather safety is how to avoid slip, trip, and fall incidents. Other safety risks include frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot (also known as immersion foot), and muscular injury from improper body mechanics or failure to stretch and warm up.
These are all important topics and should not be overlooked; however, there is another risk that perhaps is not readily associated with cold weather: dehydration.
The risk for dehydration is just as great, if not higher, in the winter as it is in the summer. Our bodies are not designed to cope with the cold, particularly extreme cold, in the same ways they are for heat. During cold weather, our body does not get as hot, even with exercise, and what sweat we do produce evaporates more quickly in the cold, dry air.
The air condition also impacts hydration levels—cold air entering the body has less moisture than warm air and thus becomes saturated before being exhaled and replaced again with cold, dry air. In addition, our bodies have a decreased thirst response (up to 40 percent lower) in cold weather. Most people simply don't feel as thirsty when it is cold leading to less fluid intake. These things combine to make dehydration a significant concern during the winter months.
Encourage employees to get proper hydration, both while at work and at home, to maintain optimum health. Although people naturally drink less during the cold weather due to the reduction of thirst sensation, consuming enough fluids during the day is essential. Replenishing fluid levels through water or noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages is essential. Other options are beverages containing electrolytes and potassium, such as Gatorade. If lowered body temperature is also an issue, drinking a warm beverage will help bring core body temperature up while rehydrating. In addition to direct fluids, fruit can be an excellent source of hydration as well as excellent vitamins and nutrients to help stave off the winter illnesses.
Winter Hydration: Can You Get Dehydrated in Cold Weather?
Hydration in the Cold of Winter
Dehydration risks may increase with cold weather
Thirst Sensations and AVP Responses at Rest and during Exercise-Cold Exposure